May 27, 2018: SOAP #3097: Proverbs 4-6; Romans 8

Scripture:  Romans (NIV) 8:3 For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so, he condemned sin in sinful man, 4 in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit.

Observation:   Praise God that the Law of Moses was not God’s final answer for sin! That the law could not bring righteousness into the lives of those following it is clearly seen by the fact that sacrifices for breaking the law were given at the very same time the law was given.  God did not give the law and then wait for 200 – 300 years to see how well man was doing in keeping it.  He did not have to have a trial period to see if man could keep it.  He knew from the beginning that man could not keep the law, and so He gave the offerings/sacrifices to cover the sin.

The animal sacrifices of the law were as weak as the law.  The blood of bulls and goats could never cover sin.

But there was an offering coming so powerful that it could pay for sin AND purify the heart!  There was an offering coming that was so powerful that it would only have to be given ONCE for all time!   God was willing to accept the sacrifices of animals because He knew the power of that ONE offering!

Application:   By the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, I am free from the bondage of sin.  I am free from the bondage of living according to the sinful nature.   The law’s requirements were met on the cross!  Now with the help of the indwelling Holy Spirit, I can live a life pleasing to God!

Prayer:    Heavenly Father, thank you for perfectly understanding my situation.  Thank you for providing the perfect sacrifice for my sin.  Thank you for sending your Holy Spirit to live in me!    Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!